Key points:

• The definition and importance of palliative care as an "extra layer of support" for patients, families, and oncologists.
• The stigma surrounding palliative care and the potential benefits of rebranding it as supportive care.
• The significant impact of palliative care on symptom management and overall patient outcomes.
• Innovative approaches to integrating palliative care into oncology practices, including the use of technology and multidisciplinary teams.
• Effective communication strategies for discussing palliative care and advanced care planning with patients and their families.
In this episode of the Oncology Brothers podcast, we delve into the critical topic of palliative care, a vital aspect of cancer treatment that often gets overshadowed by the focus on curative therapies. Joined by esteemed guests Dr. Janet Abrahm from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Dr. Ishwaria Subbiah from Sarah Cannon Research Institute, we explore how palliative care has evolved over the past five to ten years.
We discuss the common misconceptions surrounding palliative care, which many equate with hospice and end-of-life care. Dr. Abrahm emphasizes that palliative care is an "extra layer of support" for patients and their families, as well as for oncologists, and highlights the need for a shift in terminology to "supportive care" to reduce stigma. Dr. Subbiah adds that palliative care is fundamentally about symptom management at any stage of illness, not just at the end of life.
Throughout the conversation, we address the barriers to the widespread adoption of palliative care, including patient hesitancy, lack of resources, and insufficient integration into oncology practices. Both guests stress the importance of creating seamless referral pathways and utilizing technology to enhance access to palliative care services.
We also touch on the significant impact of palliative care on patient outcomes, including improved quality of life and, in some cases, increased survival rates. The discussion highlights the importance of addressing not only the physical but also the emotional and spiritual needs of patients and their families.
As we wrap up, we reflect on the importance of open communication with patients about their treatment options and the role of palliative care in providing holistic support. This episode serves as a reminder that palliative care is not about giving up but rather about enhancing the quality of life for patients throughout their cancer journey. Thank you for tuning in, and we appreciate your continued support as we strive to bring awareness to this essential aspect of oncology care.